Getting Started
So you think you might be interested in aikido. What’s next?
First, we invite you to visit and observe a class. If you come in before class has started, we’ll be happy to chat with you; if you come after class has started, just enter quietly and grab a chair. One of our senior students will step off the mat to visit with you briefly; we’ll answer all your questions after class.
If you want to register for a class, check out our “class info” page for registration information. Beginning classes are offered four to six times a year and run for six weeks.
When you are just starting, you will not need a dogi, or uniform. We suggest you wear sweat pants and a long sleeve sweat shirt, but any loose fitting pants (not shorts) without embellishments and a long sleeve tee shirt will work. You want to be comfortable moving. Since we also take falls and rolls (ukemi), you’ll also want to minimize zippers, buttons, and the like.
Bring a pair of flipflops or shoes that are easily slipped on and off. These will be left at the side of the mat during practice.
Leave your jewelry at home! This includes rings, earrings, necklaces… even the ones you normally leave on. Aikido is a martial art, and jewelry poses a safety hazard for both you and your training partners. Also be sure to empty your pockets.
We encourage you to read the etiquette guidelines before attending. This will explain the do’s and don’ts of behavior in the dojo.
When you get to the dojo (practice area), one of our students will help you get oriented. Stash your personal belongings on one of the chairs, take off your shoes and socks, and join us on the mat!
In the beginning aikido class, you will work closely with our senior students. We’ll help you learn our stretches and become familiar with basic ukemi, so you can practice safely. You’ll also learn strikes and grabs, and some basic techniques. You don’t need to worry about keeping up with anyone; you’ll learn at your own pace. You are welcome to take the Beginning class as often as you’d like; you will continue to progress.
When you are familiar with “the basics,” and are able to safely take forward and back ukemi, you will be invited to join our Continuing I class.
First, we invite you to visit and observe a class. If you come in before class has started, we’ll be happy to chat with you; if you come after class has started, just enter quietly and grab a chair. One of our senior students will step off the mat to visit with you briefly; we’ll answer all your questions after class.
If you want to register for a class, check out our “class info” page for registration information. Beginning classes are offered four to six times a year and run for six weeks.
When you are just starting, you will not need a dogi, or uniform. We suggest you wear sweat pants and a long sleeve sweat shirt, but any loose fitting pants (not shorts) without embellishments and a long sleeve tee shirt will work. You want to be comfortable moving. Since we also take falls and rolls (ukemi), you’ll also want to minimize zippers, buttons, and the like.
Bring a pair of flipflops or shoes that are easily slipped on and off. These will be left at the side of the mat during practice.
Leave your jewelry at home! This includes rings, earrings, necklaces… even the ones you normally leave on. Aikido is a martial art, and jewelry poses a safety hazard for both you and your training partners. Also be sure to empty your pockets.
We encourage you to read the etiquette guidelines before attending. This will explain the do’s and don’ts of behavior in the dojo.
When you get to the dojo (practice area), one of our students will help you get oriented. Stash your personal belongings on one of the chairs, take off your shoes and socks, and join us on the mat!
In the beginning aikido class, you will work closely with our senior students. We’ll help you learn our stretches and become familiar with basic ukemi, so you can practice safely. You’ll also learn strikes and grabs, and some basic techniques. You don’t need to worry about keeping up with anyone; you’ll learn at your own pace. You are welcome to take the Beginning class as often as you’d like; you will continue to progress.
When you are familiar with “the basics,” and are able to safely take forward and back ukemi, you will be invited to join our Continuing I class.